ESRA

Founded in 1972, ESRA (École Supérieure de Réalisation Audiovisuelle) is one of France's oldest and most established private film schools, with campuses in Paris, Nice, Rennes, Brussels, and an optional fourth year in New York. The school covers the full spectrum of audiovisual professions through three distinct departments: ESRA for cinema and television, ISTS for sound, and ESRA Animation for 3D film and visual effects. The three-year curriculum is structured around two years of broad, hands-on training across all audiovisual disciplines, followed by a third year of specialization — directing, cinematography, editing & VFX, production, or sound. State-recognized diplomas are awarded at Bachelor level (Bac+3) and Master level (Bac+5), the latter via the DHEC program in screenwriting/directing or production & distribution. Teaching is delivered primarily by working professionals, keeping the curriculum closely aligned with industry realities. With over 15,000 alumni active in the industry and a reported job placement rate above 80% within six months of graduation, ESRA has built a strong professional network across film, television, advertising, and animation. It is also the first school in France to receive ARRI certification, giving students access to the same camera technology used on major international productions.